Here are some lively performances of four very attractive samples of Telemann's orchestral craft. One of them, the Suite in A minor for treble recorder and strings, is among his best-known instrumental works, but the remaining three are less often heard. The recorder soloist is Marion Verbruggen, whose accomplished playing I have, nevertheless, found over-mannered and self-conscious in some previous issues. These tendencies are still present but controlled by a much tighter rein in this new recording. Such problems as I have with Verbruggen's playing chiefly concern the over-stressing of strong beats and a tendency towards excessively busy ornamentation. On the other hand she is a spirited player who brings the music to life in a spontaneous and effective manner and her performance of the A minor Suite is much more interesting than many others which I have heard.
The other Suite on the disc is for viola da gamba and strings. Here the soloist is Sarah Cunningham who gives a first-rate account of a delightful work, savouring the infectious character of Telemann's melodic invention. The two Suites, taken together, provide a veritable compendium of dance measures to which both artists bring a pleasing degree of gesture and poise. Recorder and viola da gamba join forces in the remaining pieces, a Concerto and a Sinfonia. In these, it is Italian rather than French styles which have the upper hand; but the seldom mistakable personal idiom of the composer is present to a marked degree in the rhythmic derivations of folk music and gentillesses of the Concerto on the one hand and the easy blend of the learned with the entertaining in the Sinfonia. This last-mentioned work, together with the A minor recorder Suite are included in a very enjoyable rival version with Peter Holtslag and The Parley of Instruments.
In short, this is a delightful programme admirably performed not only by the two soloists but also by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment under Monica Huggett's sympathetic direction. Fine recorded sound and interesting introductory notes by Carsten Lange set the seal on a strong release.'